To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the(a) average and (b) maximum tour lengths of troops deployed to Iraq since 1st May 2003 were for (i) territorial army and (ii) regular personnel; and if he will make a statement. [171442]

[holding answer 11 May 2004]: The average tour length for troops deployed to Iraq, for both Territorial Army and Regular Army personnel, since 1 May 2003, is approximately five to seven months, while the maximum tour length is six months.

A small number of TA personnel have extended their period of mobilisation, and will have undertaken successive tours over the period, which in total will amount to over six months. Where this has occurred, it has been at the individual's own request.